In Vietnam and local conglomerate Imex Pan Pacific Group is reportedly partnering with a number of foreign investors including one-time Las Vegas Sands Corporation senior executive William Weidner in hopes of being given permission to bring a large integrated casino resort to the city of Da Nang.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the project is the brainchild of the Hanoi-headquartered firm’s Chairman, Johnathan Hanh Nguyen, and would see a venue similar in size and scope to the Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore serve as the centerpiece of a 143-acre development also featuring multiple hotels, office blocks and retail establishments.

Additional associates:

Imex Pan Pacific Group reportedly disclosed that this larger Da Nang Financial Center project would take shape in the city’s seaside Son Tra District and also function as the central financial hub for Vietnam and the wider region. The source explained that renowned American architect Paul Steelman is moreover interested in participating in the proposed scheme and is thought to be working with Weidner on an initial plan to present to the Chairman for the People’s Council of Da Nang City, Nguyen Nho Trung, later in the year.

Future foundations:

The Prime Minister for Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, last month reportedly granted Imex Pan Pacific Group permission to begin drawing up a proposition that would help Da Nang to become ‘a regional-level finance center’ as part of an initiative to transform his nation into a ‘developed country’ by 2045. As such and the 66-year-old leader purportedly used an official signing session two weeks ago to reveal that his administration will now be working with international firms specializing in a range of fields including finance and the construction and operation of hotels and casino resorts.

Extensive experience:

Weidner previously worked as President and Chief Operating Officer for Las Vegas Sands Corporation before leaving in March of 2009 and establishing casino consultancy firm Global Gaming Asset Management LLC. He is moreover currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Asian casino operator Bloomberry Resorts Corporation regarding the latter’s unlawful revocation of a contract that was to have seen his company provide a range of management services to the Philippines’ Solaire Resort and Casino.

Money magnet:

The 76-year-old casino veteran reportedly declared that the government of Vietnam is ‘building financial regulations’ that will allow the nation ‘to attract investment from the United States and other countries around the world.’ He furthermore pronounced that these will permit ‘future development’ in the jurisdiction of approximately 97 million people including the construction of ‘financial centers combined with integrated resorts.’

Reportedly read a statement from Weidner…

“We are confident that we can bring investments worth millions of dollars to Da Nang with the development of a suitable resort integrated with the financial center. We are also interested in being able to continue to invite further billions of dollars to invest in Vietnam when setting up other financial centers.”